1990 Qualification – UEFA Group 5

***UNDER CONSTRUCTION – SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION 2o19***

Group 5 saw five teams of which neither had participated during the 1988 European Championships. At first sight, the group could perhaps seem to be relatively unimaginative, as the top seeds, France, were no longer of the same quality that they had been earlier in the decade. Second seeds Scotland were still there or thereabouts towards the end of most qualification campaigns, though they had left a bit to be desired last time around. Yugoslavia, winners of the 1987 youth World Cup, appeared to have exciting things going for them, whereas Norway and, certainly, Cyprus, were considered little other than also-rans.

Results

Match 1
14 September 1988, Ullevaal Stadion (Oslo)Norway 1-2 Scotland
Scotland open their campaign with a fine away win following goals from McStay and Johnston, although there's a few hairy moments, particularly in the first half, when Norway had been posing a threat, predominantly through right-sided midfielder Løken. Fjørtoft had tied the game up on the stroke of half-time, but a change in midfield formation at half-time saw the Scottish appear for the second half in a diamond which suited them well. The Norwegians were highly unfortunate to lose midfielder Sundby immediately, and they struggled physically against strong Scots.

Match 2
28 September 1988, Parc des Princes (Paris)France 1-0 Norway
Looking to win a point after their home reverse two weeks earlier, Norway arrived in Paris with defensive tactics. This saw France lead the way for much of the game, even if it took them until the second half to test Thorstvedt. They should've been in front through the lively Xuereb, and then it took a tremendous parry from Bats after Osvold's point blank range header to keep the scores level until the late French siege arrived. Having introduced striker Paille for midfielder Passi, Henri Michel's decision to go 4-2-4 late on paid off: Paille won in the air against Bratseth, something which in turn saw Bravo win a penalty from Giske for Papin to strike home the only goal. Deserved win, although the performance had hardly been convincing.

Match 3
19 October 1988, Hampden Park (Glasgow)Scotland 1-1 Yugoslavia
The pair play out a score draw with plenty of quality on display, even if there's not a whole lot happening in terms of goalmouth action. The game is a fierce contest throughout, and both sets of players are fully committed. The hosts move in front after their first left hand side initiative all game, and later the visitors strike back when the home side are unable to defend a near post corner. The second half sees Scotland make use of the wind, as some huge goalkicks spell trouble for the Yugoslavia rear guard. Apart from a McCoist effort which is excellently saved by Ivković, the Balkan visitors manage to stay resilient. Good game in which a point each is just about the right outcome.